Comparing telehealth and office visits: Pros, cons, and effectiveness

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Introduction: telehealth vs office visits, healthcare accessibility

What would you do when you need an urgent script but cannot get a doctor’s appointment?

Telehealth appointments in Australia became a boon for quick medical advice, an urgent script or medical certificates from registered practitioners.

But do we know when to use telehealth and when to do office visits?

In this article let us understand the options we have in healthcare delivery and differences of telehealth vs office visits in Australia.

Understanding the options: Telehealth vs office visits

What is a telehealth appointment?

A telehealth appointment in Australia is a virtual doctor visit or an online consultation with a registered practitioner delivered through telehealth technology such as the internet, a mobile phone or a laptop.

Secure medical platforms such as Hola Health have a website and an app to deliver remote healthcare within minutes. Telehealth appointments are convenient, flexible and accessible round-the-clock.

They can be used for non-emergent care and when in need of medical advice on minor illnesses and injuries.

What are office visits?

Office visits or GP visits are in-person appointments with a general practitioner at their office. In this scenario, the patient should be physically present at the GP’s office for an appointment.

This is usually required when there is a need for a physical assessment or in case of emergencies.

Head-to-head comparison: Pros and cons

Let us now understand when to choose telehealth over office visit and vice versa. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of telehealth vs. in-person office visits.

Advantages of telehealth

The benefits of telehealth appointments are numerous. They are convenient, flexible and accessible from anywhere and anytime.

Let us see some benefits in detail:

Disadvantages of telehealth

Advantages of office visits

Disadvantages of office visits

Effectiveness: Choosing the right setting

When is telehealth most effective?

Telehealth consultations are most effective for medical advice on minor illnesses, injuries, mental health concerns, managing chronic conditions, getting a prescription or renewing it, obtaining medical certificates online, online doctor referrals or initial assessments of complex conditions.

Some of the illnesses we can seek medical advice from online consultations are colds, coughs, fevers, rashes, skin conditions, allergies, hair loss, infections and so on.

When is an office visit necessary?

Office visits are necessary in case of physical assessments, minor surgeries, procedures, vaccinations, diagnostic tests, and complex conditions that require hands-on assessment.

Accessible telehealth with Hola Health

Hola Health provides 24/7 telehealth services across Australia connecting patients across the country with AHPRA-accredited medical practitioners within 15 minutes. Hola Health offers virtual doctor consultations, online medical certificates, prescriptions, referrals, mental health treatment plans and online pharmacy delivery.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How does a telehealth appointment work?

In a telehealth appointment, a patient connects with a medical practitioner from an app or website after filling in their details and making the payment. The doctor will ask questions regarding the current medical condition, patient’s needs and give the appropriate medical documentation post approval.

What types of medical issues are suitable for telehealth?

Telehealth is suitable for minor illnesses, injuries, getting medical documentation such as an eScript or a medical certificate online.

Can I get prescriptions or medical certificates through telehealth?

Yes, you can get online prescriptions and medical certificates if approved by the online doctor through telehealth.

Is telehealth secure and private?

Reputed platforms such as Hola Health ensure strict data protection protocols and patient confidentiality measures are taken making it secure and private.

Conclusion

Telehealth and office visits play a vital role in the Australian healthcare system. Understanding when to choose telehealth and GP office visit is important to make optimum use of the system.

Telehealth offers unmatched convenience and accessibility, platforms such as Hola Health provide quick, reliable doctor access when you need it the most.